Mexican turnip, otherwise known as jicama, is an enjoyable food. It’s one that is common throughout Mexico and Latin America.
It is known for its potato-like appearance, but apple-like taste. Jicama is versatile and is both delicious in salads as well as in soups and other dishes.
It is important to understand that humans can only safely consume the root of the plant. In contrast, the rest of the plant is actually extremely poisonous to us.
Now, you may get hesitant about whether you can also feed the root to your furry friend next to you. Which leads to the topic of this article… can dogs eat jicama?
So let’s get straight to the answer to that question and look at the effects of jicama on dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Jicama?
The short answer is yes. Dogs can eat Jicama. Jicama is a good food for dogs. But you have to be careful because not all of the plant is good for them. Let’s look at the good and bad of jicama below.
The relationship between dogs and plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables can be complicated. Unlike junk foods which are all bad, there are some fruits and vegetables that can be harmful to dogs while others can be very beneficial as part of your dog’s diet.
Even though many types of foods are not good for dogs, such as grapes, bones, and chocolate, Jicama is not one of them.
Jicamas are good food for our furry pups. It contains several benefits for dogs.
How is Jicama Healthy for Dogs?
Jicama is rich in certain minerals and vitamins. These include: Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Iron, Fiber, Magnesium, Calcium, and Potassium.
Here is a list of each nutrient in jicama for dogs and how they are beneficial:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is great for strengthening a dog’s immune system as well as their bones.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is good for preventing eye and muscle degeneration.
- Iron: Jicamas also contain high amounts of iron.This mineral helps carry in the hemoglobin of red blood cells.
- Fiber: Jicamas are a great source of fiber. This helps solve a dog’s digestive problems. Foods rich in fiber, such as mandarin, can help against bowel movement problems.
- Magnesium: Jicamas also contain high amounts of Magnesium which regulates metabolism. It also helps in a dog’s neurotransmission.
- Calcium: this helps develop bones and teeth. Additionally this makes jicama a good source of calcium for lactose-intolerant dogs.
- Potassium: this can keep your dog’s bones strong and healthy. This makes Jicama a good food for older dogs.
More on Benefits of Jicama for Dogs
Jicama has a high water content, which makes this vegetable super hydrating. And a combination of fiber and water can help with weight loss for dogs.
To add to that, jicamas are low in calories, but high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help in preventing cell damage.
These antioxidants can help against oxidative stress and can help prevent chronic illnesses. Jicama is also said to decrease the risk of cancer forming.
Precautions of Feeding Jicama to Dogs
However, be warned that not all parts of jicamas are edible to your dogs. In fact, the only part that is edible is the root.
The stems and leaves of jicamas are toxic as they contain rotenone. Rotenone is poisonous and can cause vomiting, loss of control over muscles, convulsions and respiratory failure.
Rotenone is a natural compound that is used as an insecticide. This compound is toxic to both dogs, humans and other animals.
Also be warned to avoid feeding the seeds of jicama to dogs.
In conclusion, jicama can be an incredible, low calorie snack option for both you and your dogs, so long as you stick to the roots!
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is a part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
The next article in this series is a similar type of food – Can Dogs Eat Water Chestnuts?
